The Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests received a proposal from the Bitterroot Resort for Nordic skiing operations on the Lolo National Forest and gladed alpine skiing and Nordic skiing operations on the Bitterroot National Forest in mid-March. The Forests will jointly evaluate the proposal, using a two-tiered, standardized screening process that is required for all Special Use proposals.

The Bitterroot Resort has offered skiing via snowcat on ski slopes developed on the private Maclay Ranch since 2005. The resort now plans to expand its recreational opportunities onto adjacent Forest Service lands by thinning out the forest on public land west of the ranch and south of Carlton Lake Road to create an Alpine skiing opportunity that can also be served by a snowcat. Besides the tree thinning on a few hundred acres of public land , the resort also proposes connecting about 19 miles of existing logging roads with new trail surfaces designed to serve Nordic skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer months.

The resort intends to use an existing yurt at the 6,200-foot level of the Maclay Ranch as the trailhead for Nordic skiing, and placing a second yurt to serve recreationists using the expanded area. Within this proposal, no permanent facilities are planned, according to a press release describing the proposal.

The resort anticipates operating up to five snowcats with a capacity of 15 persons each to serve the proposed area from November 1 through April 15, as conditions allow. It also anticipates an average of 30 skiers per day using the Nordic system. Ski patrollers provided by Bitterroot Resort will respond to all areas within the proposed permit area. Mountain biking is expected to begin on the Nordic trail system in June and continue through October. Trail maintenance and enhancement of the entire area will be ongoing and year-round.

The current proposal is a much scaled down version of the resort’s initial request for a Special Use permit that would have allowed access to areas above Carlton Lake and to Lolo Peak itself and provide downhill skiing and lifts on public land. That initial proposal was denied by the Forest Service due to its incompatibility with the current Forest Plans for the area. The current proposal ostensibly meets the requirements of the current Forest Plans.

The Forest Service will now begin the process of determining if the proposal is indeed consistent with current laws, regulations, policies, and land and resource management plans. It will examine the level of risk to public health and safety as well as the potential for exclusivity or conflicts with other authorized uses.

It the proposal successfully passes this first level of screening, a second level of screening that assesses the proponent’s financial and technical capabilities to successfully operate the proposed activities will be applied.

Forest regulations require the Forest Service to reject the proposal and return it to the proponent if it fails to pass either level of screening. Results of the screening process, which is expected to be completed by late June 2008, will be announced to the public.

If it passes both levels, the Forest Service would then accept a formal Special Use Application and an environmental analysis would be initiated. The public would have a chance to weigh in on the considerations in that part of the process.

The Special Use Permit application and detailed maps of the area are available for viewing and downloading at HYPERLINK "http://www.bitterrootresort.us" http://www.bitterrootresort.us.

Funding zoning: Northwest conservation organization gives county a hand

By Greg Lemon

Countywide zoning is a tough process, full of questions, concerns and struggles, but doing it right means engaging citizens throughout the process, said Ann Krumboltz, executive director for the Brainerd Foundation.

“There is going to be some controversy when you raise issues of this nature, but we’re hoping we can help people of the Bitterroot Valley chart their own future,” said Krumboltz.

The Brainerd Foundation has given $200,000 toward the countywide zoning process. The first half of the money came last summer. The foundation decided to award the county the second half last week.

Awarding money toward a community planning and zoning process is a first for the Brainerd Foundation, she said. The hope is that the money will help the county develop a zoning product that protects the community as well as clean water, clean air and wildlife habitat.

“One thing that has been really clear to us is that conservation comes from the ground up,” Krumboltz said. “Ravalli County people have a sense of what’s important when it comes to taking care of the land that they love. We (felt we) could help out with our resources.”

Software developer Paul Brainerd started the Brainerd Foundation about 15 years ago. He grew up with a love of rural communities and the natural world, she said.

“When he had the ability to bring some resources to the Northwest he wanted to focus on conservation,” Krumboltz said.

Since its inception, the Brainerd Foundation has given money to hundreds of conservation organizations around the region. But in the past couple of years, the organization decided to focus on grassroots efforts.

Early last year, Dave Schultz, who had been attending Ravalli County Plannning Board’s Land Use Subcommittee meetings, approached the Brainerd Foundation. The subcommittee was working on draft zoning regulations. Schultz attended as an interested citizen, but it soon became apparent that actually implementing zoning would cost quite a bit of money, which the county didn’t have.

“It became real clear to us early on that the county budget wouldn’t be able to afford what we needed in terms of consultants and citizen outreach,” Schultz said.

So he and other citizens began to look around for grant opportunities. Economist Larry Swanson, at the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West in Missoula, put Shultz in contact with the Brainerd Foundation.

“They became real interested in investing in a process to help citizen involvement and help citizens plan their own direction,” he said.

With the Brainerd Foundation on board, the county was able to hire a consulting firm to help with countywide zoning, said Ravalli County Commissioner Carlotta Grandstaff.

Last year, Ravalli County contracted with Clarion Associates out of Denver to help with the countywide zoning process. It was a move many in the community supported, Grandstaff said.

When she was running for office, many people told her that designing good zoning would mean bringing in experts to help the planning department with the process.

“They were saying, look, if the county’s going to pursue zoning you’re going to have to hire a consultant,” she said.

But without a large grant, the county wouldn’t be able to afford a consultant, said Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott.

“We just simply couldn’t have afforded a consultant of that caliber with our available funding level,” he said.

The Brainerd Foundation’s interest in the zoning process is that it remains a citizen movement, said foundation spokesman, Jim Owens.

“The way the money is spent and the outcome is entirely up to the people of the community and the county commissioners,” Owens said. “We won’t try to impact (the outcome).”

Chilcott views the Brainerd Foundation’s involvement as fortunate. The money they’ve given was used for not only hiring Clarion Associates, but also working on public outreach and communication.

The fact is other counties in Montana and around the West are looking at Ravalli County to learn about how a countywide zoning process can work, Owens said.

“This is really inspirational for a lot of counties out there that are dealing with some of the same issues,” he said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with the people of Ravalli County in this endeavor.”

Beyond the Brainerd Foundations donation, Schultz and other citizens are working to raise matching funds. So far the group has raised about $70,000 from a variety of donors, but they need more. The goal is to raise $176,000 by mid-summer, Schultz said.

People interested in donating to the cause can go to any of the six local Farmers State Bank locations or send checks to the Bitter Root Land Trust at P.O. Box 1806, Hamilton MT 59840.

Call for used art and jewelry

Wanted: Your used art and jewelry for the annual Used Art & Jewelry Sale which will be held May 2 and 3 in downtown Stevensville. All proceeds benefit the Stevensville Historical Museum. A Pre-Sale Party exclusively for donors will be held Thursday, May 1, with attendees getting the first chance to buy the donated art and jewelry. Consider donating the art that you no longer display on your walls, and the jewelry you no longer wear. Many treasures have been discovered at this popular event and this year the volunteers are starting fresh with no art held over from last year! Donations can be dropped off at the Bitterroot Star office, 215 Main, Stevensville. For more information contact Victoria Howell, 777-3928.

FootPRINT Fund designed to help charities

The Allegra Print & Imaging FootPRINT Fund, launched recently, will help Ravalli County nonprofit organizations “leave a footprint” in the community by awarding $10,000 in print services for promotional and informational materials.

The Allegra Print & Imaging FootPRINT Fund will award $10,000 annually to nonprofit organizations and associations seeking financial assistance for graphic design and printing of brochures, newsletters, handouts, invitations, programs, banners, posters, and other print communications. Applicants that qualify are eligible to receive up to $1,000 each in 2008.

“Providing community support is an important goal at Allegra Print & Imaging in Hamilton,” said Brian Mendenall, owner. “The FootPRINT Fund was created to provide a means of helping local organizations receive assistance in an area that may not be addressed by other funding sources.”

Allegra Print & Imaging launched the FootPRINT Fund as part of its Community Care Campaign, a nationwide effort supported by the company’s franchise headquarters, Allegra Network. The FootPRINT Fund was developed to help unite and strengthen local communities by assisting eligible nonprofit organizations and associations in building their awareness and increasing local support.

To be considered for a FootPRINT Fund award, nonprofit groups, associations and charitable organizations with a main office or branch in Ravalli County must submit a completed application by April 30th. Application forms may be obtained at 1151 N. First Street, Suite C.

Award recipients are selected by a review panel based on how the print services will be used to further organization goals including service expansion, program enhancement and maximization of existing resources, as well as the organization’s innovation and resourcefulness. All applicants will be notified in writing of their award by May 15th.

“This program is a way for us to make a difference in our community, one step at a time. Here at Allegra, we feel that it is extremely important to reach out to those in need and help our local organizations and associations leave their ‘footprints’ in the community,” added Michelle Mendenall, owner. “Since opening in 2002, we have worked with numerous nonprofit organizations and been very impressed by the character they add to our community. We are excited to take this opportunity to give back.”

Allegra Print & Imaging features traditional and advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, graphic design services, digital color output, large format full color printing, on-line file transfer, high speed copying, complete finishing services, print management solutions and project consulting.

Allegra Print & Imaging is a member of Allegra Network LLC, one of the world’s largest printing franchises linking nearly 500 locations in the United States, Canada, Poland and Japan.

For more information, call (406) 363-7645 or visit the company’s Web site at www.allegrahmt.com.

Expect travel delays north of Woodside

The Montana Department of Transportation would like to inform motorists to expect travel delays. Beginning Monday, April 14, traffic will flow on a narrow two-lane road with gravel detours from MP 50.3 Blodgett Creek to MP 56.5 north of Meridian Road. The speed limit will be 35 MPH and the traffic light at Woodside Jct. will be off. There will be temporary traffic lights in use. Delays will be 5 to 10 minutes and equipment will be entering the roadway.

MDT is committed to limiting traffic delays but is advising commuters to take extra precautions when traveling through construction zones.

• Plan Ahead - When making travel plans, research construction zones, and allow for extra travel time.
• Always Follow Signs and Obey Crew Flaggers - Also, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle, construction crews and equipment.
• Be Alert - Not everyone is well versed in construction zone driving etiquette, so pay extra attention to your surroundings while in these areas. Expect the unexpected!
• Remain Calm and Patient - Keep up with the flow of traffic and posted speed limits to minimize delays, but never allow speeding and impatient drivers to modify the way you drive. Obey posted speed limits and don't tailgate!
• Give Large Trucks Extra Room - Because of the length and weight of commercial trucks, they need more room to stop or change lanes, especially in the narrow lanes construction zones often create

For more information, contact Thomas Benedik at 642-9526 or Lori Ryan at (406) 444-6821. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592 or Montana Relay at 711.For current 24-hour highway information dial 511 or 1-800-226-7623. Visit www.us93south.com for project information and current construction updates. Schellinger Construction Inc. has a contact line, at (406) 892-2188, for any comments the public may have.

Veterans assistance available

The Valley Veterans Service Center in Hamilton offers video teleconference access to Veterans who desire face-to-face assistance from Fort Harrison staff to prepare and file claims every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. The technology can also be used to access benefit counseling, including general inquiries on the home loan guarantee program, education and life insurance. A certified Veterans Service Officer is available to assist Veterans using in the video conferencing sessions. All sessions must be scheduled in advance through the VVSC. The video conference technology has been made available to the Valley Veterans Service center through a Veterans Affairs national pilot program that has named VVSC as the sole site in the nation that is testing the use of this technology to deliver better service to Veterans in remote locations. The VVSC, located at 316 N. 3rd St. in Hamilton, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by volunteers and funded through donations. For more information or to request a video conference appointment with Fort Harrison, call 363-VETS (363-9838) or 363-9839 or e-mail at HYPERLINK "mailto:valleyvetserv@msn.com" valleyvetserv@msn.com.

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